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3 ways Philadelphia Eagles can bounce back against Minnesota Vikings in Week 5

By Jake Starr

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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When the Eagles are on defense

Through four weeks, the jury is still very much out on the Eagles’ defense. At home, they have been very good, giving up 12 points and then 16 points in there first two home games, all while giving up 27 and 26 points respectively in their two road games.

The same problems have plagued the Eagles on the defensive side of the ball through the first quarter of the season. Jalen Mills has received his fair share of criticisms so far, which has been mostly warranted, but the problems have been more than just Mills.

If the Eagles corners continue to give 10 yards of cushion on the outside and bite on double moves, then the likes of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are going to have a field day against the Eagles’ defense. The corners must be better, and hopefully, Jim Schwartz can draw up a better game plan against the Vikings.

The Eagles putting more pressure on the Vikings wide receivers will force Kirk Cousins to hold the ball longer. Allowing the Eagles’ defensive line to get home, something that has not been too common so far this season. Philadelphia needs to find a way to slow down the Vikings passing game.

Being at home and possessing one the best run defenses in the league, it should be fair to expect the Eagles to slow down Dalvin Cook and company. Also, as most teams have done against the Eagles, the Vikings will look to pass the ball a lot more, trying to pick on the Eagles secondary.

Not having Rodney McLeod at safety hurt the Eagles last week and Corey Graham struggled in his place. Obviously, the play that stands out is the fourth down play where Graham seemed to have no idea where he was on the field. Graham is going to have to be better this week.

It will be interesting to see if the Eagles do anything differently at safety, such as roll out Avonte Maddox some more at safety, or possibly move Rasul Douglas back there like many fans and analysts have been calling for.

Can the Eagles bounce back and return to form at home on defense this Sunday? That will be seen soon.

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